2016 Cadillac CTS-V:

The new 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is a gentle brute of a car. Loaded with every available option and priced nearer $100,000 than I would like (jealous, you see), the CTS-V can do about everything well. Lumping through the quiet village of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, children did not cower, mothers did not scream and pull their tykes closer, dogs did not howl. Pleasant drive, even showing 22mpg on the readout.

The 6.2L supercharged V8 has all boxes checked. Cylinder de-activation. Gasoline direct injection. Electronics up the wazoo. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that is one of the crispest shifting on the planed, the powertrain is smooth and potent. 640-horsepower with 630 lb ft of torque. There is an electronic limited slip differential that guarantees the power gets to the rear wheels (no all wheel drive available).

Now, I normally do not test drive cars on a track when they require wearing a helmet. Head’s too big, big helmets hard to get into car. Cannot hear wll with helmet on. Cannot see well with helmet on. Headrest interferes. But the CTS-V is the exception. And another opportunity to drive Road America’s outstanding road course cannot be denied.

Man, you can do anything with this car. Blow an apex and it does not matter. Just point it where you want it. Lead car wants you to give chase? 125mph in a snap. Braking signs coming up, theh huge Brembos (with calipers in matching colors) bring the speed down effortlessly. Wow! What a fun car to drive!

There are those among us who will say the Dodge Hellcats are more worthy. After all they have 707-horsepower. They are certainly selling above expectations with FCA cancelling outstanding 2015 orders and doubling production of 2016 models (better profits from a higher price anyone?). I submit, however, the CTS-V is more of a piece. More solid. More capable. More trustworthy. And better screwed together.

Just do not check the Recaro seat option box. Go for everything else. On dealer lots in mid-August 2015.